8 Yoga Poses to Improve Memory and Concentration
Many of us struggle to remember things and concentrate on work. While there are many reasons why this happens, there are ways to improve memory and concentration. The safest medium is yoga.
Yoga poses help people improve their memory and concentration by reducing stress, increasing oxygen supply to the brain, and enhancing overall mental clarity. But every yoga pose doesn’t boost memory and focus.
In this blog, Ekattva Yogshala - the best yoga school in Rishikesh, India - will share the list of top 8 yoga poses for increasing memory and concentration. Let’s start!
Yoga Poses for Improving Memory
The below yoga poses will help you improve memory and boost concentration:
Bee Breath
Also known as Bharmari Pranayama, Bee Breath is one of the best yoga poses to stay calm and reduce stress that negatively affects memory and concentration. It involves creating a soft humming sound during exhalation.
Follow the below tips to practice the Bee Breath Yoga pose accurately:
- Sit comfortably with your eyes closed and inhale through your nose.
- Place your index fingers between your cheeks and ears, and rest your thumbs on your ears.
- Exhale slowly while making a humming sound like a bee.
- Repeat for several rounds and finish by releasing your hand position
Lotus Pose
Also known as Padmasana, it is an easy pose that helps calm the mind and improve focus by stimulating the nervous system and enhancing blood to the brain. It is one of the classic poses that improve concentration by calming the mind.
The below tips will help you practice Lotus Pose in the right way:
- Sit on the floor with your legs extended.
- Bend your right knee and place your foot on the left thigh
- Now, bend your left knee and place your foot on the right thigh
- Keep your spine straight and place your hands on your knees.
- Slowly inhale and exhale for a few breaths before releasing your position.
Tree Pose
Majorly known as Vrikshasana in India, Tree Pose helps in improving concentration and balance of mind and body. This yoga pose requires focus and mental steadiness to hold the pose for a few seconds.
Follow the below expert tips to practice Tree pose:
- Begin in Tadasana
- Shift weight onto one foot, and place the sole of the other foot on the inner thigh.
- Bring your hands to the prayer position at the heart center.
- Fix your gaze on a stable point ahead to enhance balance and concentration.
- Stay in this position for a few breaths and then, relax your body before another session.
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Sarvangasana
Sarvangasana is also referred to as the mother of all asanas. It is a yoga pose where the whole body is balanced on the shoulders which gave this pose the name Shoulder Stand. It improves the circulation of the blood in the body and boosts nervous system health.
Follow the below steps to perform Sarvangasana for memory improvement:
- Lie on your back with arms alongside your body and palms down.
- Slowly inhale and lift your legs, hips, and back off the floor by supporting your lower back with your hands.
- Keep your legs straight and perpendicular to the floor.
- Hold the pose by keeping your neck and head aligned.
- Gently lower back down to the floor to release the pose.
Plow Pose
Plow Pose helps achieve balanced blood circulation to the brain and stimulates the nervous system. This yoga pose also helps stretch the spine and shoulders. Halasna is traditionally practiced near the end of a yoga class to prepare practitioners for meditation.
The below steps will help you practice the Plow Pose for improving concentration:
- Lie on your back with arms alongside your body and palms down.
- Inhale and lift your legs off the floor to bring them over your head.
- Support your lower back with your hands and extend your legs straight up.
- Continue to lower your legs behind your head until your toes touch the ground.
- To release, slowly bring your legs down to the floor.
Shavasana
Also known as Corpse Pose, Shavasana is one of the easiest yoga poses to practice for memory gains. Shavasana rejuvenates the body and mind by promoting deep relaxation and enhancing mental clarity. Follow the below steps to practice Shavasana in the right way:
- Lie down comfortably on your back, legs slightly apart, arms relaxed by your sides.
- Close your eyes and focus on your breath.
- Release tension from each part of your body, starting from your toes to your head.
- Stay in this pose for 5-10 minutes and pause before sitting up to release.
Mountain Pose
Also known as Tadasana, Mountain Pose is a foundational pose that improves posture and awareness. It enhances focus and concentration by promoting steadiness and balance. Follow the below tips to practice Mountain Pose.
- Stand tall with feet together or hip-width apart.
- Keep your spine straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Engage your thigh muscles and distribute weight evenly on both feet.
- Focus on steady breathing and a sense of grounding.
Bhujangasana
Also known as the Cobra pose, Bhujangasana strengthens the spine and opens the chest, promoting deep breathing and increased oxygen flow to the brain for better mental clarity and concentration.
Follow the below steps to practice Bhujangasana and get memory boost:
- Lie on your stomach with your legs together.
- Place palms beside your chest.
- Inhale and lift your chest off the ground, keeping the elbows slightly bent.
- Breathe deeply and hold the post for a few seconds.
Join Online Yoga Programs to Thrive
We hope that the above blog helped you learn some of the best yoga poses to improve memory and concentration. For beginners who face challenges in practicing yoga poses on their own, it is best to join online yoga classes in India to improve flexibility and strength.
Still, have queries to ask about yoga poses for improving mental health and concentration? Drop them in the comments to get a quick reply from our yoga experts.
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